Is acting casting?
Sat, 12 May 2001, 01:53 amWalter Plinge44 posts in thread
Is acting casting?
Sat, 12 May 2001, 01:53 amI have a theory: that acting is casting.
If a character in a play is urbane and sophisticated, then you cast an urbane and sophisticated actor. If the character is neurotic, you cast a neurotic actor. That kind of thing.
If, instead of asking a loose-hipped type to play a starched collar, or an intellectual to play an ignorant, uneducated type, a director were to cast actors who are as close as possible to type, how different do you think it would make the process of working and playing the piece?
How many actors can actually play anything? And how many are only good within a limited range of roles? And can a director justify casting their play entirely with "types", who match -- IRL -- some or all of the characteristics of the people they're playing?
I had thought of making this a poll, but I think it's better served in this forum, where lengthy dissertations -- in either direction -- can be offered.
I look forward to a substantial, thought-provoking debate,
peace,
David M.
If a character in a play is urbane and sophisticated, then you cast an urbane and sophisticated actor. If the character is neurotic, you cast a neurotic actor. That kind of thing.
If, instead of asking a loose-hipped type to play a starched collar, or an intellectual to play an ignorant, uneducated type, a director were to cast actors who are as close as possible to type, how different do you think it would make the process of working and playing the piece?
How many actors can actually play anything? And how many are only good within a limited range of roles? And can a director justify casting their play entirely with "types", who match -- IRL -- some or all of the characteristics of the people they're playing?
I had thought of making this a poll, but I think it's better served in this forum, where lengthy dissertations -- in either direction -- can be offered.
I look forward to a substantial, thought-provoking debate,
peace,
David M.
RE: Is acting casting?
Wed, 16 May 2001, 01:35 pmWalter Plinge
“So, really you don't indulge in nepotism at all, or not very much?”
Hmm… How about calling it ‘Selective Nepotism’?
I have been known to choose plays because a mate would be fantastic in one of the roles, and then fill in the rest as it comesÂ…
Although, often when I do this it’s not so much a case of “so and so could do that role on their head” as “ooh, that’s something so and so could really get their teeth stuck into”
“Am I too proud to admit I'm wrong??”
You are an actor, you cannot have too much pride!!
The Gods know that none of us have any dignity left, so we may as well hold onto our pride with every last fibre of our being!?
“…so I don't actually know who you are!”
Oh! The anonymity! How can I bear this, someone who knows not who I amÂ…
[Maybe that’s just as well, someone who won’t run screaming in the other direction as I enter the room – no comments please, Kyla!]
OK, last eighteen months only
Much Ado About Nothing: The Musical – Roleystone
Lady Windermere’s Fan – Marloo (director)
Bang! You’re Dead! – Roleystone
Sourcery – Blak Yak
Elizabeth: Almost By Chance a Woman – Marloo (director)
Cosi – Roleystone
And soon Travesties – Roleystone (director)
“Seen any of the following plays/performances?
Moral Guerillas - Fringe Fest. 2000
Cosi - Stirling Players, last August
Weatherwise - Stirling Players, last October
Wyrd Sisters - Arena, during April”
ummÂ… only Wyrd Sisters
WhoÂ’d you play?
I played Vitoller for Blak Yak a couple of years backÂ…
WhoÂ’d you play in Cosi?
Missed that one as I didnÂ’t want to be influenced by anyone elseÂ’s Henry before RoleystoneÂ’s was up and runningÂ…
Hmm… How about calling it ‘Selective Nepotism’?
I have been known to choose plays because a mate would be fantastic in one of the roles, and then fill in the rest as it comesÂ…
Although, often when I do this it’s not so much a case of “so and so could do that role on their head” as “ooh, that’s something so and so could really get their teeth stuck into”
“Am I too proud to admit I'm wrong??”
You are an actor, you cannot have too much pride!!
The Gods know that none of us have any dignity left, so we may as well hold onto our pride with every last fibre of our being!?
“…so I don't actually know who you are!”
Oh! The anonymity! How can I bear this, someone who knows not who I amÂ…
[Maybe that’s just as well, someone who won’t run screaming in the other direction as I enter the room – no comments please, Kyla!]
OK, last eighteen months only
Much Ado About Nothing: The Musical – Roleystone
Lady Windermere’s Fan – Marloo (director)
Bang! You’re Dead! – Roleystone
Sourcery – Blak Yak
Elizabeth: Almost By Chance a Woman – Marloo (director)
Cosi – Roleystone
And soon Travesties – Roleystone (director)
“Seen any of the following plays/performances?
Moral Guerillas - Fringe Fest. 2000
Cosi - Stirling Players, last August
Weatherwise - Stirling Players, last October
Wyrd Sisters - Arena, during April”
ummÂ… only Wyrd Sisters
WhoÂ’d you play?
I played Vitoller for Blak Yak a couple of years backÂ…
WhoÂ’d you play in Cosi?
Missed that one as I didnÂ’t want to be influenced by anyone elseÂ’s Henry before RoleystoneÂ’s was up and runningÂ…
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